More than words: A multidimensional exploration of translation theory, practice, culture, and cognitive processes
Introduction to Translation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.71028/jescs.v4i1.137Keywords:
dynamic equivalence, cultural influence, translation strategies, translator’s role, translation processAbstract
This paper presents translation as a multidimensional process involving language, culture, communication, and translator choices. It aims to help students understand that translation extends beyond word-for-word substitution by introducing core concepts, exploring cultural and ideological influences, and emphasizing the translator’s active role in shaping meaning. Using a qualitative descriptive method, the study analyses various sources including translated texts and academic literature. Key figures such as Eugene Nida (dynamic equivalence), Peter Newmark (semantic vs. communicative translation), and Lawrence Venuti (translator visibility) are discussed to illustrate different translation strategies. The analysis highlights challenges like idiomatic expressions and cultural references that require strategies such as adaptation, domestication, or foreignization to maintain textual unity. The paper concludes that translation is both a technical and creative act essential for cross-cultural communication, requiring linguistic skill alongside cultural sensitivity and ethical responsibility.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Kadek Sabina Aya Santhi, Wisman Hadi, Dr. Md. Abdur Rouf, Muhammad Issa, Sadia Ayub, Lubna Ali Mohammed, Nadia Idri
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